Dubois for county sheriff

Both candidates seeking to be the next Strafford County sheriff are well qualified for the job. Voters are fortunate to have two such candidates from which to choose on Nov. 6.

DiGregorio is a former captain with the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office who resigned in order to run for the top post. While with the department, DiGregorio told Foster’s Daily Democrat, he moved into a position to be responsible for the day-to-day operations under the current sheriff, Wayne Estes, who is not seeking re-election. This gives DiGregorio “on-the-ground experience” and a working knowledge of the department.

Also vying for the office is David Dubois, retired Rochester police chief. As chief, Dubois sports an impressive record of accomplishment that, he argues, makes him better suited to be the next Strafford County sheriff.

Clearly, neither candidate is lacking. But when it comes to leading the department in the critical years which lie ahead, the editorial board here at Foster’s Daily Democrat has chosen to endorse Dubois.

Dubois is a man of discipline, dedication and hard work. During his time as chief of police in Rochester, he continued the process of creating a respected police force. It is one now that follows the rules, is more attendant to the community, is better trained in, and accustomed to, modern police work. The department now plays a significant role in regional cooperation among local police departments. His strong hand in managing and operating the police department brought him into conflict with some, but it cannot be denied the Rochester police force is better for his efforts and a department where good police officers want to work.

All this experience will come to bear should Dubois be elected sheriff. The ability of the county sheriff’s office to work with local chiefs of police has become more crucial as the demands on law enforcement in general have become greater and greater. Accident reconstruction, tactical teams that draw countywide from police departments, hand-in-hand relations with the U.S. Marshals Service ... this list goes on.

Gone are the days the sheriff’s department is known for simply protecting the courts and serving papers.

This means that, as good a job as the currently configured sheriff’s department has done, it’s is only going to have to get that much better in years to come. Undoubtedly, DiGregorio would do a good job maintaining the department’s professionalism and providing continuity. But more will be demanded as tax dollars to support police work tighten. As the need for across-the-board coordination grows there will have to be meticulous scrutiny to prevent duplication of services and budgetary waste, while maintaining a leg up for law enforcement.

Given his time and accomplishments as police chief, the choice of Dubois for sheriff will bring a needed hand-in-glove approach to local and county law enforcement that voters should not pass up. On Nov. 6, the editorial board here at Foster’s Daily Democrat strongly urges Strafford County voters to make Dubois their next choice for sheriff.

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